Avalanche South Face

Avalanche South Face drops into Avalanche/Eagle basin off Avalanche Mountain in Glacier National Park, Rogers Pass. The line starts from a broad, windward ridge and then tightens into a south-facing chute that doglegs down into the main basin, with exposure to overhead start zones above the constriction.

From the Avalanche Crest skintrack, continue along the broad ridge toward the south face until the terrain rolls over and the chute entrance becomes obvious. Most parties ski from the ridge crest, then work into the gut once coverage is confirmed, exiting down into Avalanche/Eagle basin and rejoining common uptracks toward Avalanche Crest or back toward the highway corridor.

This face is heavily affected by wind and sun: expect cross-loaded pockets near the ridge, stiff wind slab over facets in lean periods, and rapid warming on clear spring days. The chute has terrain-trap characteristics in the mid-section, with limited options to escape overhead hazard once committed. It skis best in a deep, well-settled snowpack with a stable structure and recent storm or wind loading well understood from the avalanche bulletin and recent observations.

Glacier National Park is fully within avalanche terrain; daily permits, winter restricted/closed areas, and highway avalanche control closures apply and change through the season. Check the Parks Canada Glacier National Park avalanche bulletin, winter permit system, and current area/road closures before committing to this face. More info: Parks Canada – Glacier National Park.